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 Tunseth Named 2026 ND Teacher of the Year
Frannie Tunseth, a reading and mathematics teacher at Mayville-Portland-Clifford-Galesburg Public School in Mayville, is North Dakota’s Teacher of the Year for 2026, state School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Gov. Kelly Armstrong said in a joint announcement Friday.
Tunseth is a math and reading interventionist in grades four through eight. She provides extra help and instruction for students who are struggling with those subjects. She has worked as a teacher and elementary school principal during her 11-year education career and was recognized as the Griggs County Teacher of the Year in 2022.
“Many of the students I work with have experienced repeated challenges in school, which can lead to disengagement and a belief that they are not capable,” Tunseth said in her Teacher of the Year application. “My core belief is that all kids can experience success every single day, and it's my responsibility to create the conditions for that success.”
Tunseth begins her stint as Teacher of the Year on Jan. 1. She will succeed Kendall Bergrud, a mathematics teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck.
North Dakota Accountability Reports Update
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), state education agencies are required to publish annual accountability reports for every public school. In North Dakota, these reports are made available through the Insights dashboard and provide a transparent look at how schools are performing on key accountability measures outlined in the state’s ESSA plan.
This year, the release of the accountability reports is delayed from the usual September timeline. North Dakota administered the ND A+ Summative Assessment for the first time in spring 2025 and completed a standard-setting process in August 2025. During this process, a committee of North Dakota educators recommended cut scores tailored specifically for North Dakota students.
NDDPI’s data team is currently reviewing and synthesizing accountability data. The updated reports are scheduled for release in early November. Schools will first receive guidance on how to review their data, followed by an update to the Insights dashboard reflecting the most recent results.
For questions, please contact Amanda Peterson at (701) 328-3545.
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Urgent: Consolidated Application Initial Budgets Due Sept. 30
The due date for 2025-2026 Consolidated Application Initial Budgets is fast approaching and must be submitted by Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, to remain in good standing and maintain federal Title funding eligibility. Districts will receive an email notification when their budget is created and ready to open in WebGrants.
Steps to Submit Your Budget
Follow these steps to obligate funds and enter program activities:
- Log into WebGrants.
- Select “Grants” in the left menu, then choose your grant.
- Review the awarded amount at the top of the page—this is prepopulated in the “unobligated” category.
- Under “Grant Components,” select “Contract Amendment,” then “Add Amendment.”
- Ensure Status = “Editing” and Amendment Type = “Initial Budget.”
- Enter “Initial Budget” in the Title line and SAVE.
- Select “Edit Amendment.”
- In the “Budget” tab, click “Edit Form” to add the Amendment Justification and input “Initial Budget” in the narrative box.
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Save Form and Mark as Complete.
- Add a row for each program activity within the correct object code section, using consistent, specific descriptions for related activities.
Helpful Resources Guidance and training materials are available to support your submission:
Please make it a top priority to complete and submit the budgets by Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Districts that have not submitted their Initial Budgets will forfeit federal Title funds.
Additional training resources will be posted on the Consolidated Application webpage. For questions, please contact any of the staff listed in the Consolidated Application Contacts.
2025 Reading Curriculum & PD Reports Due Oct. 1
The 2025 STARS Reading Curriculum and Professional Development (PD) Report window is open. Each K-3 building has an assigned submission date based on its prior report review.
Finding Your Due Date
You can verify your school’s next due date in two ways:
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Next Reporting Date List – Check the list for public or nonpublic schools, as applicable.
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STARS Status Window – Open the report in STARS to view your submission information.
- If your school is reporting this year, you’ll see a message stating the report is due Oct. 1, 2025.
- If you are not reporting this year, you’ll see “Not Applicable” in the status window and your next reporting date listed in the report body.
For more details, visit the NDDPI Science of Reading Website and the Reading Curriculum & PD Report page, or contact: Brenda Ehrmantraut at (701) 328-1809
Reminder: 30-Day Carryover for NSLP Meal Eligibility
School districts and other School Food Authorities (SFAs) operating the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) must ensure students do not remain on last year’s free or reduced-price meal status beyond the 30-day carryover period.
Students who were eligible for free or reduced-price meals last school year can keep that eligibility for 30 school days into the new year. After those 30 days, meal status must change to Paid unless:
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✅ The student appears on the current STARS Direct Certification list, or
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✅ A new free or reduced-price meal application has been received.
How the 30-Day Carryover is Counted:
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Starts on the first day of school for each district.
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Counts school days only—not weekends or holidays.
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Each district has its own carryover date based on its calendar.
For many districts, the carryover date is approaching—or may already have passed. Please review your records and make necessary updates.
For assistance or questions, contact the Office of Child Nutrition and Food Distribution.
Onsite Monitoring Forms for Federal Meal Programs
Districts participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) must complete annual onsite monitoring using the required forms. These forms are not posted on the website, but are included in the Administrative Records book and conveniently linked below.
Requirements at a Glance
For questions or assistance, contact the Office of Child Nutrition and Food Distribution. at 701-328-2294.
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Rail/Highway Crossing Safety Input Requested
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is asking all North Dakota public school districts to help identify rail/highway grade crossings where safety could be improved.
Please share:
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Location details – street or road name, plus the distance and direction to the nearest town(s).
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Specific concerns or suggestions – describe any issues or recommended improvements.
Available Support
Annual federal funds are set aside for safety enhancements at rail/highway at-grade crossings. These funds may be used for:
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🚦 Installation of active warning devices (flashing lights, gates)
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🚧 Upgraded crossing signs
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🛤️ Crossing surface improvements
How to Submit
Email your concerns or suggestions by Dec. 31, 2025, to jstyron@nd.gov to be included in NDDOT’s annual review and statewide prioritization process.
Thank you for helping to keep our rail/highway crossings safe for students, staff, and communities across North Dakota.
Transcend Opens Applications for Rural Career-Connected Collaborative
Transcend, in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), will launch a Rural Career-Connected Collaborative in January 2026.
This 15-month, fully funded cohort program invites rural school communities to design and implement career-connected learning that reflects their unique strengths, needs, and aspirations.
Apply by Monday, Oct. 20, 5 p.m. CT to join this opportunity and shape the future of career-connected education in your community.
Understanding ND's K-12 Computer Science & Cybersecurity Requirements
As technology continues to transform our world, the rise of artificial intelligence has sparked concern that “coding skills” alone may become less relevant as machines increasingly generate code on their own. But computer science is not the same as coding. Computer science provides students with the foundational knowledge of algorithms, data, logic, and systems thinking that underpins all digital technologies—including AI itself. Far from diminishing its value, AI makes computer science education even more essential. By understanding the principles behind computing and intelligent systems, students will be better equipped to use AI effectively, responsibly, and creatively—ensuring that they use these tools to their advantage, rather than being used by them.
North Dakota Requirements at a Glance
K–8 Integration (NDCC 15.1-21-01)
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All public and nonpublic elementary and middle schools must develop a Computer Science and Cybersecurity Integration Plan introducing students to key concepts in these fields.
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Plans must have been approved by the local school board as of July 1, 2024.
High School Instruction (NDCC 15.1-21-02)
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High schools must offer at least one unit of computer science or cybersecurity to every student.
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Schools must have also created an integration plan, which was due July 1, 2024.
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Courses may be delivered in person, through distance learning, or via dual credit/postsecondary enrollment.
Graduation Requirements (NDCC 15.1-21-02.2)
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As of Aug. 1, 2025, students must complete 22 total units to graduate, including one unit of computer science or cybersecurity.
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This unit can satisfy the standalone technology requirement or count toward the science requirement (though it may not be accepted as a science credit by all postsecondary institutions).
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A waiver is available if a student completes a school board–approved integration plan.
North Dakota’s legislative updates reflect a strong commitment to preparing students for a digital world. By requiring integration plans and embedding computer science and cybersecurity into graduation pathways, the state ensures that all students—regardless of their school or learning style—gain essential 21st-century skills.
School leaders, educators, and families should work together to ensure these requirements are met and that students are supported in exploring the exciting fields of technology and cybersecurity.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Upcoming Training & Events
Tuesday, Sept. 30
• PowerSchool Grad Planning – MS Teams | 9 a.m. CDT
Wednesday, Oct. 1
• Personalized Learning: a sTEP Forward Program – Bismarck | 9 a.m. CDT
Thursday, Oct. 2
• eTranscript Training & Help Day – MS Teams | 1 p.m. CDT
• Historical Grades in PowerSchool – MS Teams | 2 p.m. CDT
Friday, Oct. 3
• PowerSchool End of Term – Teams | 10 a.m. CDT
Teacher Workshop: Indigenous Histories Through Primary Sources
Grades 6–12 social studies educators are invited to a free professional development workshop—Teaching Historical Thinking Through Indigenous Histories.
📅 Thursday, Oct. 16
📍 Sidney High School, Sidney, Montana
Participants will:
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Explore upper Great Plains tribal histories using primary sources aligned with the ND Native American Essential Understandings and Montana Indian Education for All standards.
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Learn strategies for guiding student-led historical research.
Benefits:
Space is limited—register by Oct. 7 at ndstudies.gov/teacher-workshops.
Questions? Contact Madison Milbrath at 701-328-2794.
 EduTech Webinar Series: Tech Ideas to Inspire Your Classroom
The EduTech Webinar Series is designed to give educators fresh, practical technology ideas they can use right away. Past episodes have featured top-notch guests and thought-provoking discussions—and this fall brings something new.
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October Spotlight: Discover how Minnewaukan Public School is integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning.
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November Live Event: Don’t miss a special live session with nationally recognized ed-tech expert Leslie Fisher on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. CST.
💻 Can’t make it live? Sign up anyway and enjoy on-demand access for seven days after the broadcast.
Bring innovative ideas back to your classroom—reserve your spot and be part of the conversation!
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BARR Grant Opening Soon!
NDDPI is pleased to announce that the GRAD 701 funding opportunity will open Sept. 29, 2025. This grant is designed to support middle and high schools in their efforts to enhance graduation pathways and student success across the state.
What Does the GRAD 701 Funding Support?
This funding opportunity is intended to assist districts in implementing strategies to improve high school graduation rates, support student interventions, and expand educational resources for North Dakota learners. This funding opportunity will partially fund schools for three years to implement the Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) Model. BARR is an evidence-based practice that has been proven to increase student engagement, attendance, academics, school climate and family engagement. Schools already funded to use BARR through the ND CLIMBS grant are not eligible.
📅 Application Period: Sept. 29-Oct. 31, 2025
📌 More Information: Visit GRAD 701 Informational Webinar for more information about the funding opportunity, guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application details.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS |
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 Cyber Madness Returns for Middle School Students
Cyber Madness is back—and ready to challenge North Dakota’s young digital defenders! This fast-paced cybersecurity tournament invites middle school teams to think critically, solve complex problems, and collaborate to protect against virtual threats.
During the event, students will:
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🔐 Crack codes by deciphering cryptographic messages
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🌐 Hunt for clues hidden across websites
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🧩 Solve puzzles and even try their hand at lock-picking
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🎮 Cheer on their team’s selected “champion” in Um Actually, a lively game show of trivia spanning education, pop culture, and general knowledge
More than a competition, Cyber Madness is about discovery and confidence. Participants leave with new skills, a deeper understanding of cybersecurity, and the belief that they can be tomorrow’s problem-solvers.
👉 Learn more: Visit the Cyber Madness page
📧 Questions? Email ndcybermadness@k12.nd.us
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The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
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